F-1 CPT/OPT for students

F-1 is centered on study. Work can be possible through CPT during your program and OPT after graduation, with an additional STEM OPT extension for eligible fields. The key is authorization, accurate documents, and maintaining status.

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Quick map CPT vs OPT Documents Status Safety Visa services FAQ

Quick map (what happens when)

  • CPT: during studies, authorized by your school before you start work.
  • OPT: temporary employment related to your major; post-completion OPT typically follows graduation.
  • STEM OPT: eligible STEM graduates may apply for a longer extension when requirements are met.
Authorization first.
Don’t start work until the correct authorization is in place (school authorization for CPT; OPT/STEM OPT follow the official process and timelines).

CPT vs OPT vs STEM OPT (simple comparison)

Type When Key requirement What to keep in your records
CPT During studies Integral to your curriculum and authorized by your school before start School authorization, offer/training plan, dates/hours/location
OPT Often after graduation (post-completion) Employment directly related to your major; plan ahead for timelines Offer letters, role description, start date plan, reporting confirmations
STEM OPT Extension after post-completion OPT (eligible fields) Meet STEM eligibility + employer/program requirements Employer details, reporting items, updated documentation

Documents checklist (practical)

Keep one folder (digital + printed) with consistent dates, names, and addresses.

  • School records: updated I-20 and any school authorization notes (especially for CPT).
  • Job evidence: offer letter or training description with title, duties, location, hours, start/end dates, supervisor.
  • Major alignment: short note explaining how duties connect to your field of study.
  • Tracking: a simple timeline (program dates, authorization dates, job start dates).
  • Proof of communications: emails/confirmations and any reporting receipts.

Status & reporting (avoid common mistakes)

  • Follow your school’s rules and reporting instructions exactly.
  • Keep your address and employer info up to date where required.
  • Don’t ignore deadlines—plan early so processing delays don’t break your timeline.

Safety checks (avoid scams)

  • Verify the employer identity: real website, professional email domain, address, and consistent contacts.
  • Get terms in writing: title, pay, hours, dates, duties, location, and supervision.
  • Avoid “guaranteed approvals” and urgent payment pressure from unknown intermediaries.
  • Be careful with “unpaid” roles: if it functions like a paid job for a for-profit company, treat it as employment and follow authorization rules.

Official references (start here)

For OPT details see USCIS: Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students. For STEM extension see: STEM OPT extension. For SEVIS/student guidance see DHS: Study in the States — OPT. Policy overview: USCIS Policy Manual — Practical Training.

U.S. visa services by MaViAl Sp. z o.o. (administrative support)

MaViAl provides paid, non-legal administrative support: eligibility checks, document organization, DS-160 guidance, scheduling assistance, and interview preparation. Legal advice is not provided.

Candidate requirements

Average pricing (service fees — government fees excluded)

Service What’s included Average price (USD)
Eligibility check Free High-level screening of purpose, timeline, and basic documents $0
Standard consultation (30 min) Q&A, checklist, next steps $49
Document review & DS-160 guidance Form walkthrough, completeness check, feedback $149
Application prep & scheduling Preparation support, appointment strategy, reminders $299
Full-service package (nonimmigrant) End-to-end coordination incl. interview preparation from $699

Note: Government fees (e.g., USCIS filing fees, consular MRV, SEVIS where applicable) are separate and paid directly to authorities.

Frequently asked questions

What is CPT for F-1 students?

CPT is work authorization during studies when the training is integral to your program and authorized by your school before you start.

What is OPT for F-1 students?

OPT is temporary employment directly related to your major. Post-completion OPT typically follows graduation and has time-sensitive planning.

What is the STEM OPT extension?

Eligible STEM graduates may apply for an additional extension of post-completion OPT when they meet program and employer requirements.

Does OpeningsHub sponsor visas?

No. OpeningsHub is a job board. Sponsorship is handled by employers or designated sponsors.

Does MaViAl provide U.S. visa services?

Yes—non-legal administrative support (eligibility check, DS-160 guidance, scheduling, interview preparation).

How much does it cost on average?

$49 consultation, $149 document review & DS-160 guidance, $299 application prep & scheduling, full service from $699 (government fees excluded).